FASSAI License and Registration, Full Form, How to Get FASSAI License, Download, Check, Fee, Search, Renewal, Price, Apply Online, Login, Required Documents, Status
According to Section 31(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, all Food Business Operators nationwide must obtain a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI oversees the licensing and registration process in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Business) Regulations, 2011. Any food business in India involved in manufacturing, storing, transporting, or distributing food must obtain an FSSAI License or Registration, depending on its scale and operations. For detailed information about this, read this article till the end.
What is FASSAI
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India. FSSAI issues licenses and registrations to food businesses, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and standards. These certifications signify adherence to stringent quality control measures, safeguarding public health and consumer trust. Through its oversight and regulation, FSSAI promotes the production and distribution of safe and nutritious food across the nation.
License Required to Start a Food Business in India
Who needs FSSAI License?
Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in various food-related activities are required to obtain an FSSAI License/Registration. These include:
- Petty retailers, retail shops, snacks shops, confectionery or bakery shops, etc.
- Temporary stalls, fixed stalls, or food premises involved in food preparation, storage, distribution, and sales.
- Hawkers vending packaged or freshly prepared food while traveling.
- Dairy units, including milk chilling units, petty milkmen, and milk vendors.
- Slaughtering houses.
- Fish processing and meat processing units.
- Food manufacturing units, including repacking facilities.
- Vegetable oil processing units.
- Proprietary food and novel food producers.
- Cold/refrigerated storage facilities.
- Transporters of food products using specialized vehicles like insulated refrigerated vans/wagons, milk tankers, food wagons, food trucks, etc.
- Wholesalers, suppliers, distributors, and marketers of food products.
- Hotels, restaurants, and bars.
- Canteens, cafeterias, including mid-day meal canteens.
- Food vending agencies and caterers.
- Dhabas, PG accommodations providing food, banquet halls with food catering arrangements, home-based canteens, and food stalls at fairs or religious institutions.
- Importers and exporters of food items and ingredients.
- E-commerce food suppliers, including cloud kitchens.
FASSAI License Price (Types of FASSAI)
FSSAI registration is determined by business type, turnover, and production capacity, with essential, central, and state licenses available based on installed capacity and turnover.
- FSSAI Essential Registration: For businesses with a turnover below Rs. 12 lakh annually, essential registration is required. Petty food manufacturers can apply using Form A.
- FSSAI State License: Businesses with turnovers exceeding Rs. 12 lakh but below Rs. 20 crore annually need a state license. Form B is required. Small to medium-sized manufacturing units, storage, transporters, retailers, marketers, and distributors must register with the state government.
- FSSAI Central License: Companies with turnovers exceeding Rs. 20 crore annually must obtain a central license. Form B is used. This is necessary for 100% Export Oriented Units, large manufacturers, importers, and businesses operating under Central Government Agencies, airports, seaports, etc.
Why FASSAI License in Important
FSSAI licenses are crucial as they ensure compliance with food safety regulations, guaranteeing the production and distribution of safe, hygienic, and high-quality food products. These licenses instill consumer trust, demonstrating that businesses adhere to rigorous standards and practices. By obtaining an FSSAI license, food businesses signal their commitment to maintaining the integrity and safety of the food supply chain. Additionally, licensing enhances market access, as many retailers and consumers prioritize products with FSSAI certification, leading to increased sales and business opportunities. Overall, FSSAI licenses play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health, fostering consumer confidence, and facilitating business growth in the food industry.
How do I become FSSAI Certified?
To become FSSAI certified, follow these steps:
- Determine the type of FSSAI license required based on your business scale and operations.
- Complete the FSSAI registration form online or offline, depending on your preference.
- Submit the necessary documents along with the application.
- Pay the applicable FSSAI registration fees.
- Await processing and approval from the FSSAI authorities.
- Once approved, display the FSSAI registration certificate at your food business premises during operating hours.
- Maintain compliance with FSSAI regulations to ensure continued certification.
FASSAI License Eligibility
Sure, here’s the eligibility for FSSAI licenses categorized as basic, state-wise, and central-wise:
| License Type | Eligibility Criteria |
| Basic License | Annual turnover less than Rs. 12 lakh – Petty food manufacturers |
| State License | Annual turnover between Rs. 12 lakh and Rs. 20 crore – Small to medium-sized manufacturing units, storage, transporters, retailers, marketers, distributors |
| Central License | Annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 crore – 100% Export Oriented Units, large manufacturers, importers, food business operators in Central Government Agencies, airports, seaports |
These criteria serve as a general guideline, and specific requirements may vary based on the regulations and guidelines set by the FSSAI. It’s essential for businesses to consult the official FSSAI website or regulatory authorities for accurate and up-to-date information regarding license eligibility.
FASSAI License Required Documents
To obtain FSSAI basic registration, state license, or central license, several documents are required:
Basic FASSAI License:
- Photo identity proof of the food business operators.
- Business constitution certificate (partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, etc.).
- Proof of possession of business premises (rental agreement, NOC from the owner, utility bills, etc.).
- Food safety management system plan.
- List of food products manufactured or processed.
- Bank account information.
- Supporting documents (NOC by Municipality or Panchayat, Health NOC, manufacturer’s license copy, etc.).
FSSAI State License:
- Form B duly completed and signed.
- Plan of the processing unit.
- List of Directors/Partners/Proprietor.
- Equipment and machinery list.
- Water analysis report.
- Certificate under Coop Act 1861/Multi-State Coop Act 2002.
FSSAI Central License:
- Source of raw material.
- Recall plan (if applicable).
- Ministry of Commerce Certificate for 100% EOU.
- NOC/PA document issued by FSSAI.
- IE code document issued by DGFT.
- Form IX.
- Ministry of Tourism certificate.
- Supporting documents for turnover and transportation proof.
- Declaration form.
These documents ensure compliance with FSSAI regulations and standards, facilitating the licensing process for food businesses.
How to Apply for FASSAI License/Registration, Download
- FBOs can apply for FSSAI registration online using Form A or Form B on the FoSCoS portal or offline by submitting the forms to the Food and Safety Department.
- The FSSAI registration form requires accompanying documents, which can be uploaded online during the application process or submitted physically to the Department.
- Within 7 days of receipt, the Department accepts or rejects the registration form, notifying the applicant in case of rejection.
- The Department scrutinizes the submitted documents and may conduct inspections of food premises if necessary.
- Upon meeting all criteria, the Department issues an FSSAI registration certificate with a unique registration number and the applicant’s photo ID.
- The certificate can be downloaded from the FoSCoS portal, and FBOs are required to prominently display it during business hours.
FASSAI License Fee
Applicants/FBOs must pay the fees when submitting the FSSAI registration form. The FSSAI registration fees vary based on the type of registration:
- FSSAI Basic Registration: Fee of Rs.100
- FSSAI State License: Fee ranges from Rs.2,000 to Rs.5,000, depending on the type of business conducted.
- FSSAI Central License: Fee of Rs.7,500.
FASSAI License/ Registration Status
- Applicants receive SMS/email alerts at various stages of FSSAI application processing.
- To check the FSSAI registration status, applicants can enter the application reference number on the ‘Track Application Status’ tab on the FoSCoS website.
- Different stages of the FSSAI registration status can be tracked through this feature.
- When the status shows ‘Application Reverted,’ FSSAI authorities have sent the application back for modification or clarification.
- The applicant must respond within 30 days from the reverted date to prevent application rejection.
- The status changes to ‘Registration Certificate Issued’ when FSSAI authorities issue the registration certificate.
- Applicants can download the certificate from the FoSCoS website by logging in.
Benefits of Procuring FSSAI Food License
- Obtaining a license offers legal benefits and builds goodwill for the food business.
- It ensures food safety, creates consumer awareness, and supports business expansion.
- FSSAI registration facilitates regulation, manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale of imported food.
- Having FSSAI registration makes it easier to secure funds from investors.
- The FSSAI logo on food products assures customers of quality.
- Displaying the FSSAI registration number at food premises signifies compliance with hygiene and quality standards.
FASSAI License Validity
The FSSAI License/Registration is issued for a period of 1 to 5 years, based on the choice of the Food Business Operator, starting from the date of issuance. Renewal must be applied for 30 days prior to the expiry of the current license or registration period.
FASSAI License Renewal
- FBOs can apply to renew their existing licenses/registrations via the Renewal tab.
- The renewal application must be submitted within 120 to 30 days before the license expiry date.
- Once FSSAI authorities issue the registration certificate, the status changes to ‘Registration Certificate Issued.’
- Applicants can download the certificate from the FoSCoS website after logging in.
Fruit and Vegetable Cold Storage Business
FASSAI License Penalty and Offenses
To uphold the provision of safe and nutritious food for human consumption, the FSSAI Act delineates a range of penalties and offenses for violations. Check list to some of the significant FSSAI fines and violations.
| Particulars | Fine |
| Food quality not in compliance with act | Rs. 2 Lakh Petty manufacturer – Rs. 25,000/- |
| Sub-standard food | Rs. 5 Lakh |
| Misbranded Food | Rs. 3 Lakh |
| Misleading advertisement or false description | Rs. 10 Lakh |
| Extraneous matter in food | Rs. 1 Lakh |
| Failure to comply with Food safety officer direction | Rs. 2 Lakh |
| Unhygienic processing or manufacture | Rs. 1 Lakh |
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